The New England Patriots' move has the NFL world talking, but not for the reasons you might think. In a move that's more about strategy than surprise, the Patriots chose to let their free agents walk, avoiding the franchise tag altogether.
With the NFL franchise tag deadline looming, all eyes were on the Patriots to see which of their six eligible players would be tagged. The list included some big names, like edge rusher K'Lavon Chaisson, who led the team in sacks, and tight end Austin Hooper. But the Patriots' front office had a different plan in mind.
And here's where it gets interesting: despite the potential value these players bring, the Patriots decided against using the franchise tag on any of them. This decision is a bold statement, especially considering the tag's purpose—a fully guaranteed one-year contract to retain a player's services. But the Patriots are playing the long game, it seems.
The franchise tag price for these positions ranges from $15 million to $27 million, a hefty sum for any team. By not using the tag, the Patriots allow these players to test the open market, but they're not out of the game yet. They can still negotiate and reach agreements before the market officially opens, potentially securing these players at a more favorable rate.
Other teams took a different approach. The Atlanta Falcons tagged tight end Kyle Pitts, the Dallas Cowboys secured wide receiver George Pickens, and the New York Jets retained running back Breece Hall. Meanwhile, the Indianapolis Colts used the transition tag on quarterback Daniel Jones.
As the NFL free agency period approaches on March 11, with the legal tampering window opening two days prior, the Patriots' strategy will be put to the test. Will their decision to avoid the franchise tag pay off, or will they regret letting these players hit the open market? Only time will tell, and the comments section is open for predictions!
